PBS - 2.2.2 - A Protein Problem

Front

What is an amino acid?

Back

Amino acids are organic compounds that serve as the building blocks of proteins. They contain an amino group, a carboxyl group, and a side chain that is unique to each amino acid.

Front

What is a codon?

Back

A codon is a sequence of three nucleotides in mRNA that specifies a particular amino acid or a stop signal during protein synthesis.

Front

What is the role of mRNA in protein synthesis?

Back

mRNA (messenger RNA) carries the genetic information from DNA to the ribosome, where it serves as a template for protein synthesis.

Front

What is the function of ribosomes?

Back

Ribosomes are the cellular structures where protein synthesis occurs. They read the mRNA sequence and translate it into a polypeptide chain.

Front

What is a start codon?

Back

A start codon is a specific codon (AUG) that signals the beginning of protein synthesis. It codes for the amino acid Methionine.

Front

What is a stop codon?

Back

A stop codon is a codon that signals the termination of protein synthesis. It does not code for any amino acid.

Front

What is the relationship between DNA and protein synthesis?

Back

DNA contains the instructions for making proteins. It is transcribed into mRNA, which is then translated into proteins.

Front

What is translation in the context of protein synthesis?

Back

Translation is the process by which ribosomes synthesize proteins using the information encoded in mRNA.

Front

What is the significance of the genetic code?

Back

The genetic code is the set of rules by which information encoded in mRNA is translated into proteins. It determines which amino acids correspond to each codon.

Front

What happens if a mutation occurs in a codon?

Back

A mutation in a codon can lead to the incorporation of a different amino acid in the protein, potentially altering its function.